A city official stopped at The Lebanon Enterprise office this week. When staff members joked with her about running for a state office, her reply was no, she wasn't interested.

"That's real politics," she said.

Based on what we've seen so far from the campaigns to fill the vacant District 14 State Senate seat, we're inclined to agree with her. District 14 includes Marion, Mercer, Nelson, Taylor and Washington counties.

Though she wasn't able to accept the award in person, friends say Karalee Jones is well deserving.

Jones was announced Wednesday as this year's Santa's Helper award recipient. She was hospitalized at Taylor Regional Hospital, however, and could not attend the ceremony Wednesday to receive her plaque.

According to Kiwanis Club secretary Donna Kerr, the Santa's Helper award is given each year to someone who acts as Santa's Helper and embodies the Christmas spirit every day, all year long.

Beginning with next week's issue, the newsstand price for The Central Kentucky News-Journal will become 75 cents. This price change is the first in 19 years. The last price change took place in April 1990.

While operating costs have continued to increase during this period of time, the price of the CKNJ has remained constant.

According to Couch's arrest warrant, which was issued Oct. 12, he is accused of breaking into a home on Sept. 20 and stealing property from the owners. He was charged with second-degree burglary, a Class C felony punishable by as much as 10 years in prison.

Couch pleaded not guilty to the charge in Taylor District Court on Monday, Nov. 23.

Citing his public service and continuing advocacy for educational advancements, State Rep. Bam Carney, R-Campbellsville, will seek his second term in the Kentucky House of Representatives as the voice of the 51st House District.